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Event Series: EmpowerEd

Finding Purpose in Times of Transition

Virtual

August 13 @ 12:00 pm 1:00 pm CDT

Tools for Emotional Regulation, Relational Awareness, and Meaning-Making

In times of transition, many experience disorientation, emotional intensity, and a loss of clarity around purpose. This session introduces a practical, human-centered approach to navigating change. By integrating emotional regulation, relational awareness, and meaning-making, participants will explore how their internal states, relationships, and interpretations shape their ability to move through uncertainty with intention.

Grounded in the BELLA*Life framework, this experience emphasizes restoring connection—to self, others, and purpose—rather than simply “coping” or pushing through. You’ll leave with actionable tools to regulate emotions, reinterpret challenges, and align your actions with deeper values, transforming transition into a space for growth, clarity, and contribution.

About the Speaker

Dr. Chris Casely, MBA, PhD is the founder of BELLA*Life and the Center for Human Attachment & Performance (CHAP). His work integrates attachment theory, affective neuroscience, symbolic interactionism, and embodied practices such as yoga and dance to create accessible tools for human development, leadership, and relational repair. With a background in nonprofit leadership, education, and applied research, Dr. Casely specializes in helping individuals and organizations build emotional regulation, trust, and meaning-driven performance in complex environments.

BELLA*Life is an educational and developmental ecosystem designed to help people regulate, connect, and create meaningful outcomes in their personal and professional lives. Through courses, assessments, research, and community-based experiences, BELLA*Life translates interdisciplinary science into practical tools for everyday growth and leadership.

What You’ll Gain

  • Understand how emotional and physiological states influence perception, decision-making, and purpose during transition
  • Learn practical BELLA*Life tools for emotional regulation, repair, and meaning-making during uncertain or disruptive experiences
  • Apply a structured process to reconnect with your values and define purpose-aligned next steps

This Event is Open To

This event is open to all members of the military and veteran-connected community. Eligibility varies by session. View our event calendar for details on other offerings.

About EmpowerEd

EmpowerEd offers expert-led, topic-driven seminars designed to equip military and veteran families and community members with valuable information, practical tools, and trusted resources.

Most sessions are followed by an optional peer support event, Let’s Talk About It—a space to reflect, connect, and share takeaways in a supportive community. While attending the seminar is encouraged, it’s not required to join the discussion. Please note that registration for Let’s Talk About It is separate from the EmpowerEd seminar.

Dr. Elisa Borah speaking at Military Social Work & Behavioral Health Conference hosted by the Institute for Military and Veteran Family Wellness conference at UT Austin

Take the First Step Toward Improving Your Wellness–Sign up Today!

Looking for one-on-one support? Peer 2 Peer Connect pairs you with a trained VSN Peer Leader for individualized support. For more resources and updates, follow @veteranspousenetwork and subscribe to the VSN Newsletter. Questions or concerns? We’re here to help at vsn@austin.utexas.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

EmpowerEd offers seminar-style sessions led by rotating guest experts. Unlike our peer-based programs, these are more informational than discussion-based and open to the broader community, delivering expert insights, practical tools, and evidence-based wellness strategies.

Let’s Talk About It is an optional peer support event hosted after many of our EmpowerEd seminars, offering space to reflect, connect, and share. While EmpowerEd is expert-led, this event centers on open conversation. Seminar attendance is encouraged but not required; register separately.

For the best experience, we recommend joining from a quiet, distraction-free space and arriving on time, as participants who join more than 15 minutes late may not be admitted. Be sure to have your Zoom link ready from your confirmation email.

You must register at least 72 hours before an event. Most programs are ongoing series with multiple dates. Please check our calendar for upcoming sessions.

No, all events are completely free to attend. We are a grant-based program and believe in removing barriers to connection and support and are proud to offer these sessions at no cost to our community.

No—VSN is based at the University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness, but we are a nationwide network open to any military-connected individuals in the US and beyond.

Modalities

Virtual

Session Types

Seminar

Eligibility

Spouse/Partner of a Service Member, Family Member/Caregiver of a Service Member/Veteran, Divorcee of a Service Member/Veteran, Service Member/Veteran, Provider/Supporter, Widow/Widower of a Service Member/Veteran and Spouse/Partner of a Veteran